Post No. 72

THINGS ON THE MENU
Article - "Solutions On How to Fix the Government"
Serial - "The Romance of Phil Turner: Chapter I, Part 1"

Greetings, fellow travelers, and welcome to the seventh-second posting of the Blog.  It's been months since I last posted and, if I may be honest, this is my third attempt to create Post No. 72.  It's taken me a lot of time and brain power to figure how what to do with this Blog.  Finally, I have it.  If you look at the top of the posting, you'll see something that says "Things on the Menu" and some stuff written below it.  That's part of the Blog now.  It's something letting know what's in store for you this week.  The current format of the Blog is something I have used before.  Hopefully, it will actually work for me this time. 

 

As it was earlier in the year, the postings will be a mix of non-fiction and fiction.  The non-fiction is still the articles showing off my point of view.  However, the non-fiction will be divided into different area.  Next week, you'll see a new thing on the Blog.  This week, it's business as usual with an article telling all of you how to deal with the fact that the Government has shutdown because party politics has finally showed us its worse.  In the fiction area, it's a serial.  Serials is how fiction will appear on the Blog.  As the title shows, it's a return of the "Life in Hyperion" characters I've used for the last four, going on five, years.

 

The serial format here is chapters broken into three parts, each part posted each week.  That way, you get a preview what the eventual book will look like once the serial is finished.  Each finished serial will be turned into a book.  Those books will help finance my film production company Golden Shawn so I can make some movies.  In the future, expect a YouTube channel from Golden Shawn, where my visual work will go.  Now, without further ado, on with the post.  First, it's this week's article.  Here, for your reading pleasure, is "A Solution On How to Fix the Government"...

 

--------------------------------------------------------------

 

A SOLUTION ON HOW TO FIX THE GOVERNMENT

 

On October 1st on this year, something that hasn't happened in seventeen years happened.  The Federal Government suffered a shutdown.  National Parks closed, workers furloughed, and just plain shutdown of various agencies around the country.  Why did this happen?  Because one group of people decided to act like children and refuse to budge on something they hated.  Republicans and their hatred of the new health care law has reached its most moronic moment.  In their versions of the temp spending bills, they put something removing or delaying the law or part of it.  The result, the first shutdown in seventeen years and no end in sight.

With each side standing firm with their ideologies, there seem to be no way out.  However, I do know a way and it all goes back in 19th century San Francisco.  In that city, from 1859 to 1880, lived Emperor Norton I of the United States.  As many of you know, he was a man who believed he was our imperial leader.  In his reign, he ordered, among other things, Congress to dissolve.  This order was his first one.  Of course, in 1859, Congress decided to ignore it and continue towards the Civil War.  Now, if Norton has actual power, if he has a throne, Congress would have been history and the Civil War would not have happened. 

Now, over 150 years later, we can look upon this character and wonder at the power he had to the citizens of San Francisco.  We look at his order to dissolve Congress as silly.  I look at his order as the answer to our problems today.  Now, imagine that Norton's throne existed and kept, that he had an heir.  Today, the current occupant of Norton's throne would look at Congress, with the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-controlled Senate, and see it not working.  Now, in Great Britain, when Parliament works this way, the Queen orders it to dissolve, and that they do it.  She's the Queen.  Her power, however little these days, is real. 

Back to our Emperor.  He or she, let's be fair, looks at the non-functioning Congress and orders it to dissolve.  At that point, the 113rd Congress ceases to be.  A month later, in November, a new Congress would be elected.  This time, with the general dissatisfaction we have with the Tea Party Republicans, Democrats take the House and pass that spending bill.  A nice scenario, for sure.  Now, you're wondering to yourself how this applies to our title.  Well, I propose that we create that throne I talked about.  Yes, a democracy-lover like me is suggesting that the United States of America adopt a Imperial throne.

It's part of a plan I call the Imperial Conclave.  In this plan, a bunch of concerned citizens from around the country come together in one place, seal ourselves in, and elect an Emperor or Empress.  We then act like the proclamations this leader issues are real and obey them, as a nation.  That way, we add a monarchy by the spirit of democracy and freedom.  I also propose that we repeat the conclave every four or five years.  Again, adding that democratic spirit to the idea of a monarchy for our country.  Who knows?  In the future, the monarchy will be as real as the President and Congress itself.  The fourth branch of our government, adding further balance.

The time and place of the first Imperial Conclave has not been set yet.  In order to set the time and place, we need some candidates for the job.  If you wish to become the second Emperor of our country or our first Empress, say in the comment section below.  You can also use that section to tell me if my idea is sound or not.  Hopefully, this solution might become something that help our country time and again.  The lessons of Emperor Norton might lead our country into a better shape than 230 years of living with our current system has left us.  Washington warned us about party politics.  Isn't it time to listen and considers other options for leadership?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would make one note.  I am not available for election as Emperor.  I only wish to select those who will lead.  Now, from the non-fiction to the fiction.  Here now, for your eyes, is the first part of Chapter I of "The Romance of Phil Turner"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"THE ROMANCE OF PHIL TURNER"
CHAPTER I, PART 1

In Van Buren County in the state of Michigan, just east of the center of it, is the city of Hyperion, population 5,000 or so people. This town is a bit dull to the outsiders but plenty enough to the citizens. The one outstanding part of this small town is the local radio station. WHYP, broadcasting on 95.3 FM with a effective power of 2,500 watts, covering all the county and parts of the surrounding ones. The building which contains WHYP contains many rooms, mainly offices.

Of course, the centerpiece is the studio. Right next to it is the control room, where the engineer makes sure the people of Hyperion can hear everything. Standing behind the engineer is Phil Turner. He is the station's lone intern at the moment. He is a 21-year-old African-American male, wearing a t-shirt and jeans, showing the little effort he puts in, both in his looks and his job.

"Just another Monday morning for Barry and Terry." says Phil to himself.

"Tell me about it." says the engineer.

"Listen to those two." says Phil.

Inside the two, said hosts are doing their two hour morning show, which lasts from 7:00 am to 9:00 am. One of them is Barry Wilkins, a Boston-born man wearing a black t-shirt, black jacket, black pants, and black shoes. He also has black hair and a general dark personality, on display as he smokes a cigarette and speaks into the microphone.

"The trouble with today's world... is that there aren't a few more jerks like me keeping morons in line." says Barry.

Barry's co-host in these proceedings is Terry Gold. He is born and raised in Hyperion, wearing a nice yellow t-shirt, brown jacket, and blue jeans. He has brown eyes and hair and milky skin. His personality is opposite to Barry as he speaks into the microphone.

"I think there are enough jerks in the world already." says Terry.

"This discussion has gone on for ten minutes." says Phil back in the studio.

"You don't have to stay for the whole show." says the engineer.

"You're right. I'll go see Cy and Conrad." says Phil, who then leaves the control room.

The second best place in the building is the station's green room. The room's walls are covered in a lime green color, in reference to the room's name. Inside those walls are a pinball machine, a couch, an easy chair, a large table, a small table containing a coffee maker, a box of donuts, and a bowl of apples. That morning, the green room was empty of people, save two.

The first one of the two is a man sitting in the easy chair. He looks to be deep in thought, thinking without a care. He is Cyrus McLean Scott, "Cy" for short. His appearance tells all you need to know. His outfit is classic seventies, with a flannel gray jacket, dark blue turtleneck sweater, light gray bell bottom slacks, and nicely-polished white shoes.

His red hair has a seventies style to it and it leads to the starter kit for a beard on his face, which brings out his deep blue eyes. As Cy sits and thinks, another person is sitting at the large table, with a newspaper, some paper and a pencil in front of him. He looks at the newspaper in front of him. He then proceeds to write down something on one of the pieces of paper.

This man is Conrad Harris, Cy's best friend. His appearance is different from Cy's. He is wearing a Cosby-style sweater vest, with a starched white button shirt and straight gray pants. His blonde hair is cut into a mod shape. Like Cy, he has blue eyes. This is the sight that greets Phil upon entry. The two are unaware of Phil's presence as the intern pours himself some coffee. Finally, after about a minute, and three warm sips, Cy notices Phil is in the room.

"Good morning." Cy says to Phil.

"Oh, good morning." says Phil, starled a bit.

"Having a nice day so far?" asks Cy.

"That I am. I see you're busy working on your show." says Phil.

"That I am, because someone else is not doing his part." replies Conrad.

"I'm doing my part. I'm deep in thought." says Cy.

"You spend too much time in thought." says Conrad.

"Do I? I don't think I do." says Cy.

"Trust me, you do." says Conrad.

"Suit yourself." says Cy.

"You two are better that Barry and Terry." says Phil to himself.

This scene is often repeated. It reflects the job these two have, as morning radio show hosts. Their show is in the 9:00-10:00 am slot, in comparison to the two 2-hour shows on either side of them. Barry and Terry, the hosts that precedes them is being piped into the green room via a speaker, installed in one corner of the room. Cy reacts in disgust to what he hears.

"That Barry. I can't believe that that idiot has a show." he says.

"Just because you're from New York and him from Boston, doesn't mean he's an idiot." says Conrad.

"I know not all Bostonians are idiots. Just this one and many more like him." he says.

"Why argue?" says Conrad under his breath.

"The only reason that these two are on the air is because Terry is the boss' son." says Cy.

"Tell me something I don't know." says Conrad.

Soon enough, it's time for Cy and Conrad to do their show. As they enter the station's control room, Conrad is holding something in his hands. Cy has noticed this for about ten minutes, the same for Phil.

"Conrad, I've been meaning to ask you. What's with the card?" says Cy.

"A birthday card." says Conrad.

"I know it's not my birthday, April 15th, and I know it's not yours, September 22nd." says Cy.

"Read the card." says Conrad.

"Okay." says Cy as he opens the card, "'D stands for delightful, D stands for de-lovely, D stands for... Darlene.'."

"That's right, it's my sister's 30th birthday." says Conrad.

"Conrad, there is no way I'm signing this card." says Cy.

"Please sign it." says Cy.

"I refuse to." says Cy as he hands back the card.

"Just sign it 'C.S.'." says Cy.

"Give me a good reason to." says Cy.

"About signing it for me?" Conrad asks Cy.

"Alright, I will." says Cy as he takes the card and signs it with the pen Conrad gives him.

"Good, now make sure you're at the library tomorrow for a small surprise party." says Cy.

"No, Conrad." says Cy.

"Please, for me again?" says Conrad.

"If we must." says Cy.

"Those two." says Phil again to himself, the fifth time in two minutes.

Eventually, Barry and Terry leave the studio, passing by Cy and Conrad as the two duos change places. Cy tries not to say anything as Barry passes by but Barry decides to taunt him.

"Having a nice time in your mother's shoes?" Barry says to Cy.

"Cy... " says Conrad, seeing his friend's need to respond.

"Barry... " starts Cy before Conrad covers his mouth.

Cy and Conrad manage to get to their chairs and sit down. As the two don their headphones, the engineer gives them the signal to start.

"Good morning, Hyperion, and welcome to the Cy & Conrad Show for October 6, 2009. It's a wonderful Monday morning outside but it's the usual studio feel in here." says Cy into the microphone.

"I'm Conrad Harris and that was Cy Scott you just heard." says Conrad.

"That it was." says Cy.

The duo's show can be best described as human interest stories culled from the local newspaper and Cy's rants on ongoing news stories in the world. Today, it's 10 minutes of the stories and 50 minutes of rant, with Conrad adding the occasional word now and then. An hour later, their show is over.

"Well, that was fun." says Cy as he and Conrad exit the studio.

"The way you can rant." says Conrad.

"It's a gift." says Cy.

"Now what?" says Conrad.

"For me, it's off to the library to cool off." says Cy as the two of them exit the room.

"I enjoy those two." says Phil to the engineer.

"Do you?" says the engineer.

"They make radio actually fun for me." says Phil.

"If you say so." says the engineer.

Phil's routine then follows a swift but slow path. He sees the hosts of various shows pile into the studio and he watches them. Sometimes, he goes back to the green room and often naps a bit. By the time the sun sets, that's when Phil goes home and stays there until the next morning.

Today, as Phil enters his home, he realizes what his life has become. The fixed path that he has set is now worn. Mind you, Phil has worked at the radio station for two years and is only now coming to this conclusion. However, as he puts head to pillow, he begins to ponder his life choices.

The next day, his ponder continues. As he pours himself a cup of coffee, he thinks over the events of the last two years, trying to think of one exciting thing that didn't involve Cy or Conrad and their antics. As he rounds a mental corner, Conrad enters with his usual materials. As he sits down, he notice this sight.

"Something on your mind, Phil?" asks Conrad.

"I was just thinking." says Phil.

"Like Cy?" asks Conrad.

"If Cy spends his time thinking over his life, then yes." says Phil.

"That's often what he thinks about." says Conrad as he lays out some paper.

"The last two years have just become a boring time. I mean, ever since I started here, my only fun is from you and Cy." says Phil.

"Don't you have any fun?" asks Conrad.

"That's what's on my mind this morning. Did I?" says Phil.

"If you haven't lately, you can always have a nice night out. You know, see what happens." says Conrad as he picks up a pencil.

"Good idea. I'll try it tonight." says Phil.

"Good for you." says Conrad as he writes something down.

Just then, Cy enters the room and he is not too happy. takes a seat in the easy chair and tries to relax. However, the sounds of Barry and Terry fill his ears and he finds he can't. Phil looks and sees Cy trying to relax.

"Good morning, Cy." says Phil.

"What's so good about it?" replies Cy.

"Is something wrong?" asks Phil.

"It's that Human Iceberg Conrad has for a sister. I went to the library yesterday and she just gave me the business." says Cy.

"My sister, the so-called Human Iceberg, is turning 30 today." says Conrad.

"Is that right?" says Cy.

"There's gonna be a little party today." says Conrad.

"Really?" says Cy.

"You promised me you'd be there." says Conrad.

"Did I?" says Cy.

"Say, do I have to be there?" asks Phil.

"I think you should stay here and be a nice intern." says Cy.

"Phil just told me that he wants to have a little fun in his life." says Conrad.

"Is that true, Phil?" asks Cy.

"It is. I just realized that my life has become one long bore." says Phil.

"Just trust me when I say that Darlene is no fun to be around." says Cy.

"If you insist. I am planning of going down to the tavern and see what fun I can find there." says Phil.

"That's a good idea. Now, back to this party... " says Cy.

"Just do it, Cy." says Conrad.

"I will. I even got my usual gift." says Cy.

"If you say so." says Conrad.

"When is this little... thing?" asks Cy.

"Around lunchtime." says Conrad.

"I'll be there." says Cy.

The day soon passes and a rain storm arrives in Hyperion. Downtown, Phil is getting out of his car, umbrella in hand. He then makes his way toward the local tavern. However, as he nears the place, he hears a sound in the air. It's the sound of crying. He looks around and sees a figure crying under a streetlight next to the tavern.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

As the rain pours down, a mystery presents itself.  If you want the answer, come back next week for the second part of Chapter I.  In that installment, the romance of the story's title begins.  Hopefully, these beginnings will lead down quite a road.  That does it for the Blog this week.  Next week, the article will be something I want to try out on you guys.  My favorite group of online characters is Channel Awesome and I want to make my concept for their place known.  So, until next week, a piece of advice: the day that we elect our first gay female Chinese President is the day we can officially end all prejudice in the world.

 

Yours truly,

John Maxwell.

Your Fellow Traveler.